Are You Social Enough?

I was recently interviewed regarding Social Media/Job Search by U.S. News and World Report for the How To Make Money Now 2013 Edition.  One observation I shared was on how differently job seekers view Social Media than non-job seekers. 

An obvious fact, I know.  But in today’s economy, do you know when you might be starting a job search?  It’s usually a good idea to manage your Social Media profile before this happens.  Certainly, you don’t have to put the effort into overdrive until necessary, but establishing a professional presence early in the game is a good strategy.  I have many other tips on this within the Social Media subject on this blog if you’re looking for more advice on the topic.

Other tips you may need to think about are also included in the U.S. News article.

 

 

Know What You Want–Want What You Know

One of the hardest type of candidates to place is the one who has so many talents they have no idea what they want to do next.  Some expect a hiring company to see all their talents and invent a position suited to their abilities.  It typically doesn’t work this way.  At least not when you’re working through recruiters.  They have specific jobs to fill today, and future positions to fill within their specialty or industry.

The key to working with recruiters is to know what you want to do.  And, to want a job that will leverage your expertise.  It is very hard to jump to new job titles where you have little experience.  Recruiters will present only the most qualified candidates.  Period.  Once you are within a company, there may be ample opportunities to cross-train or gain exposure to other talents (and then make that jump).

In my latest article for Job-Hunt.org, I offer a step-by-step approach to determining the job description you want to share with recruiters.  I hope this helps those who feel a little lost in the job search process.

Article:  Knowing What You Want So You Can Find It

Surprises Are Not Always Fun

Many have said how critical good communication is in the professional world.  When working with recruiters, this can be vitally important.  Considering they are representing you with their clients, any flaws in the information they present can lead to an unwanted result.  Simply put:  If you withhold or provide false information, you’re likely diminishing your chances of getting the job.  And certainly killing any chance of working with that recruiter again.

More specific examples on this topic are shared in my latest article for Job-Hunt.org.  If you want to share your own story regarding this, please do so in the comment section of this blog post.

Article: In the Recruiting Environment: Surprises Can Be Bad

Networking Starts in Grade School

Every smart job seeker knows the value of networking to help the process along.  Not every job seeker realizes their network has a life of its own.  It can be what cinches the deal or sends you packing, too.  My latest article for job-hunt.org has a story to illustrate this, and also pointers on “cleansing your network reputation.”  As always, if you have thoughts on the subject, share them within this post.

Article:  Networking Since Grade School? Yes!

Tweet Your Way to a Sweet Job

Self Magazine interviewed me a little while ago for thoughts on Twitter and the Job Search.  They picked the most salient point of our discussion and included it in the August 2012 article.  My quote:

Keep your Tweets 80 percent positive, suggests Jeff Lipschultz, cofounder of recruiting firm A-List Solutions in Southlake, Texas. “You’re allowed to complain about a bad restaurant experience or the terrible weather every once in a while, but hiring managers want someone who will enhance a company’s culture,” Lipschultz says. “Complainers don’t.”

For the online version of this article, click this link.

Don’t Tweet Your Way Out of a Job

Recently, I was interviewed by SELF magazine regarding job seekers losing credibility through their behaviors on Social Media, namely  Twitter.  Although it’s been discussed by many, including me, it seems there’s still a need to counsel people on how to maintain a professional image within the Social Media world.  With this in mind, I wrote a short article on the subject for my friends at Job-Hunt.  See if you agree with my thoughts.  Either way, feel free to leave comments on this blog.

And the SELF article should be in the August publication (on the shelves and online in mid-July)–we’ll see how much of my interview makes it into the article.

Article:  The Impact of Social Media on Recruiters and Your Next Employer

Looking at a Resume through Recruiter’s Eyes

Clearly, there is no end to amount of advice offered on resume writing.  However, every day I read resumes that have glaring mistakes.  Not simply grammar or spelling.  There are resume pitfalls that can cause doubt to arise about you.  It may seem unfair.  At the same time, can you really expect a perfect stranger to know how well you fit the job if you’re conveying a different message?

Although there are many who can provide advice on resumes, including professional resume writers, I thought it would be helpful to share a few of the common errors I see.  Check out my latest article at Job-hunt.org to learn more.  Feel free to add your own advice by commenting on this article within my blog.

Article:  What Recruiters Want to Find on Your Resume

Listening is as Important as Talking in an Interview

One of the most popular requirements listed for an open job posting is “good communicator.”  Most people immediately think something  along the lines of “Yes, I am good at communicating my message clearly to individuals and large groups.”

But this is only half of being a good communicator.  Hiring managers want to know you are also a good listener.  And an interview is a great chance to demonstrate your skills in this area.

Check out my first article for a blog site dedicated to coaching you through your career path: Work Coach Cafe.  If you have additional tips on listening skills, please share your comments on either blog.

Article:  You’re a “good communicator,” but are you listening?

Common Misconceptions about Working with Agency Recruiters

In this article written for Job-Hunt.org, I cover five popular misconceptions about working with agency recruiters.  The article also references several links that may be helpful in understanding how this process works and what to expect.  These misconceptions include:

• Recruiters will find me a job.
• All recruiters are the same.
• Recruiters are career counselors.
• Apply for all the jobs the recruiter has listed.
• All I need is a simple LinkedIn profile and the recruiters will be banging on my door.

If you’ve never worked with a recruiter before, this article is a “must read.”

Article: Working with Agency Recruiters

Compassionate HR podcast with Margo Rose

Today I had the opportunity to be a part of Margo Rose’s Compassionate HR program.  She has periodic podcasts focused on helping job seekers, business owners, and recruiters.  The recorded episode is available on her BlogTalkRadio channel–click this link and scroll to the 12/8/2011 timeframe in the index to find my podcast.

We covered topics such as:

• How I got into recruiting.
• How the economy has effected the industry.
• What job seekers can learn from recruiters.
• What is the most appropriate way for job seekers to market themselves to recruiters in their industry.
• Anticipated accomplishments in 2012, both professionally and personally (Margo is a cyclist and couldn’t help asking me about my cycling goals)

If you have a question stemming from the podcast, leave a comment on this blog, and I’ll do my best to answer it.